etk401

Hi all, DH has a conf. the first week of Jan. 2007. We will be traveling with the kids 12 & 10. Is it the kind of place that the kids and I will be happy to stay at while Dad is busy? How is the snorkling here? We haven't booked yet. Thank you

Little_Man

my husband and I stopped there to take a look this summer while in Cancun. It looked beautiful, I can't imagine not having a nice vacation here. Very upscale; gorgeous grounds.
I don't think there is much snorkeling in this area though, more down in Akumal or in Cozumel.

etk401

Thanks frankie, Are there snorkle excursions from the area, any recommended half dat trips? We have been to many carribean islands and to Puerta vallarta a few times, but this is our first experience with the cancun area. all info is appreciated. Should we venture off property for dinner?

butsey

Hey Frankie How was the beach at Myakoba when you went? I am thinking about it for March, the only reason I want to go to that area is for the beaches that P.Vallarta does not have.I am going to P.V. on NOv 4th am looking for something different in March

Little_Man

hi butsey, when we stopped there, the security was very tight, and we were escorted to the lobby area, and spoke to the front desk. We were thinking about changing hotels, but decided we just didn't have enough time left on our trip for the hassle. So we only saw the hotel from atop the lobby area, but we got a wonderful view of it, just beautiful. And the employees were definitely 5 star. The beach isn't far from Maroma, from what I've heard it's very good, and there are some nice pics on tripadvisor.
etk401, sorry I can't help with snorkeling, but I'm sure the hotel could, and also you could find help at tripadvisor.com forums. From what I saw of this place, it reminded me of Four Seasons Punta Mita.

etk401

Well I finally booked our trip to the Fairmont Mayakoba for 6 nites arriving on New Years Day. Husband and 2 kids. DH will have to spend some time at conference but I am sure can miss aday or two to spend with us. Any suggestions for a nice family outing for those two days? Should we bring our own snorkle gear and tennis rackets, or just rent? How about leaving the property for dinner, how far is Playa del carmen for shopping and eating? Ant exceptional restaurants, great food, when in mexico eat traditional food. My last question, What about the drinking water? Thank you all as usual for you replies, I so look forward to signing on and hearing from you all.

Little_Man

Playa is only about 20 minutes down the road, it's a great place to go for dinner. Fodors has some good recommendations in their restaurant section. If I stayed at Mayakoba, I think it'd be a good idea to rent a car.
Also, it's a very easy trip into Cancun. An exceptional restaurant there with great ambiance, but still casual and easygoing, is the Laguna Grill. It's on the southern end of the hotel zone, a pretty easy 20 min. drive from Mayakoba.
Look forward to your review!

eileen

I would go to Tulum -- it is the only ruins on the water and very interesting. There's also a little beach so you can hang out, I think your kids are a great age for it (mine are 9 and 14) and most likely would enjoy the excursion, I know mine would.

Curt

We just returned from Secrets Capri which is just north of Mayakoba. The best snorkeling is by boat over the reef just off shore (maybe a 10 minute boat ride out). The hotel should be able to arrange that for you. We sailed by the Mayakoba beach area several times in the HobieCats and it looks very nice. We had planned on walking down the beach and looking closer but never got around to it...not far I would guess 1/2 mile or so. Have fun.

etk401

Thanks guys, Tulum is definetly on the list, and thanks for the info on the snorkeling trip. I wasn't sure if you could snorkle from the beach or needed to go by boat. Was the reef badly damaged by the hurricane? Is it still worth the trip? How about a full day at excaret? The restaurant reviews sound good, is the food really good or is it like so many places and it is only fair at best? We will eat and enjoy our time no matter what but I do like to be prepared so I know how to order. Any comments on the drinking water? Thanks so much!!

Curt

The reef was in excellent shape and there were loads of fish and the water is crystal clear over the reef. Do a boat since the water close in to the beach gets a little murky at times and the best fishies are out there by the reef.